• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Good PC recording interface

I was just wondering. I'm thinking of maybe trying to get a decent recording setup (nothing major, just enough to lay down tracks with a few friends who I'm trying to get a band going with, also so I can record any lines I come up with). I've tried using my Laney's D.I. and Headphone jacks to get a bit of pre-amp before the input to my computer, but it still is really quiet, and my TB Riviera isn't really what you'd call recording grade. Anywho, I was wondering if anybody knows of a good PC interface (don't really care about the interface, as I'm thinking of adding firewire eventually to my computer, which is probably powerful enough for my purposes) that has built in pre-amps for at least a few of the inputs. It would also be nice if it had the ability to adjust input gain on the device itself, as that would make recording a whole lot easier. I'd probably use either Kristal or Cakewalk Home Studio to record. My budget is probably $300 max, as I would probably try to split it with friends and the like.

EDIT: Also, MIDI functions would be cool, as I'm thinking of maybe learning how to do MIDI stuff so I can lay down more tracks just by myself. It's not necessary, however.
 
I have looked at the FirePod, but it's out of budget, and it also has some construction issues, from what I've heard. I'm looking at Lexicon's Omega interface, as it has 2 XLR and 4 line inputs, each with adjustable gain. Anybody used it? It's $300 most places.
 
I've looked at the Delta 44, but it doesn't have built in pres or XLR jacks. The Lexicon I mentioned has gotten decent reviews, and it supports up to four simulataneous inputs, including either 2 mics and 2 lines or 4 lines, with a dedicated pre for each mic channel. Also, it supports MIDI!
 
laboitenoire said:
I've looked at the Delta 44, but it doesn't have built in pres or XLR jacks. The Lexicon I mentioned has gotten decent reviews, and it supports up to four simulataneous inputs, including either 2 mics and 2 lines or 4 lines, with a dedicated pre for each mic channel. Also, it supports MIDI!


the Delta 1010lt has 8in/8out, two mic pres and Midi. you can find them at a decent price. get a 10 channel mixer and you'd be set.
 
Try to look for soundcards that support "DirectWire" drivers,
Invalid Link Removed

which I think are just AudioTrack and ESI.

It sure makes mixing between sources on PC's easy. Not that most recording software can't do this, but the patch-bay look is handy to use. It still keeps everything in the digital domain so there's minimal analog noise.

I have a somewhat dated Wami Rack 192L but it runs directwire 3.0 and I haven't had any software compatibility problems. Audio or midi.

One feature I would look for now is low latency midi drivers.